David Nepomuceno
David Nepomuceno (May 9, 1900 - September 27, 1939) was the first Filipino to compete in the Olympics. He was a runner and the sole representative of the Philippines at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.[1] In 1925, Nepomuceno ran the 100 meters in only two-tenths of a second short of the then-world record.
Contents |
[edit] Early Athletic Career
Nepomuceno specialized in 100 meter sprints. Along with fellow Filipino Fortunato Catalon, he was considered a world-class sprinter in the 1920s, competing frequently in the Far East.
[edit] The Olympics
When the Philippines joined the International Olympic Committee in 1918, the requisite for the country's acceptance was the participation of a Filipino athlete at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Nepomuceno was the sole participant representing the Philippines. At the Olympics, he ran the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes; in neither race was he fast enough to qualify for the quarterfinals.[2]
[edit] Far Eastern Games
Nepomuceno won the following medals at the Far Eastern Games:[3]
1925
- Gold Medal, 200 meter straight dash
- Silver Medal, 100 meter dash
1927
- Gold Medal, 100 meter dash
- Bronze Medal, 200 meter straight dash
